Innovate, make and create at the Library!

Published: August 13, 2013

A Dynamic Center for Community Engagement

As you may have heard, the Loussac entrance renovation was not included in the Project 80s grant from the state legislature (Click here for recent ADN Compass Piece). While we are deeply disappointed that we won't move forward this year as planned, the transformation of our Library into a dynamic center for community engagement has already begun! From the Innovation Lab at Loussac to youth programs, our Library serves the community in many unique ways.

The Loussac entrance renovation is key to the transformation, so we will continue to push for this project. We will share updates with you this fall on how you can help. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy all of the Library's new services and classes! Click here for the August schedule.

Innovation at the Library

The Library's fabulous Americorps VISTA volunteers Candace Blas and Paul Baker have made tremendous progress this year. VISTA Paul Baker developed the Innovation Lab, which offers business startup and job-finding skills workshops and twice monthly Maker Nights. The Loussac was also the site of Anchorage's first Maker Faire, hosted in partnership with the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation.

VISTA Candace Blas has made headlines this year with her innovative approach to teen programs, such as Last Thursday art shows and the Teen Writing Society. She finishes this week and her replacement will export the Teen Underground concept to the neighborhood libraries.

Food for the Mind and Body

The transformation of libraries has people exclaiming “I didn’t know libraries did that!” Each APL location offers programs that add to the quality of neighborhood life.

The Mountain View Library had a very popular book giveaway table at the Mountain View Street Fair and the Muldoon Library will be at the upcoming Muldoon community picnic. Click here for a story on Mountain View Library's partnership with the Food Bank to meet local needs and expand minds.

Early Literacy Space at Loussac

The new space, which opens this October, will offer a fun and age-appropriate approach for families to learn and encourage early literacy skills in their babies and toddlers. The space is part of the wildly successful Ready to Read Resource Center.

Click here for feature story on Ready to Read by the Institute Museum and Library Services.